Born: c. 1686 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Died: 1802
Biography:
Alice of Dunk’s Ferry (c. 1686–1802) was an African-American slave, toll collector, and centenarian who was known as one of Black America’s early oral historians. Born enslaved around 1686 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alice was the child of enslaved parents who had been brought to America from Barbados. She lived in Philadelphia until the age of ten when she was taken to Dunk’s Ferry in Bucks County, located about 17 miles up the Delaware River, where she would spend the rest of her life.
For four decades, Alice worked as a toll collector for Samuel Carpenter, a friend of William Penn’s, collecting tolls for crossing the river. Despite being enslaved, Alice was respected by her contemporaries for her sharp memory and her ability to vividly recall people, places, and events. Her recollections provided valuable insights into the development of Philadelphia from a wilderness to the capital of a new nation. Even though she couldn’t read or write, Alice had a profound love for the Bible and enjoyed having it read to her. She was regarded as a woman with a great regard for truth.
Alice of Dunk’s Ferry became an esteemed local historian, earning the nickname Alice of Dunk’s Ferry. People sought her out to hear her stories and anecdotes about the early settlers and the history of the area. Her presence and conversations were captivating, particularly for the descendants of the first settlers who found her narratives both fascinating and valuable.
Throughout her long life, Alice had several notable interactions with prominent figures. It is said that she once lit the pipe of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. She also made the acquaintance of Thomas Story, further establishing her connections to influential individuals of her time.
In her later years, Alice gradually lost her sight between the ages of 96 and 100. Despite her blindness, she remained active and skilled, frequently engaging in activities such as fishing. Remarkably, at the age of around 102, her sight partially returned, allowing her to perceive moving objects, although she couldn’t distinguish between people.
Alice of Dunk’s Ferry’s life spanned more than a century, providing an incredible firsthand account of the transformation of a river settlement into a thriving capital city. Her recollections, although delivered orally, served as a vital source of historical information for her contemporaries. As one of Black America’s early oral historians, Alice played a crucial role in preserving the untold stories and experiences of African Americans during an era of enslavement and transition.